GW

Director of the South Eastern Region Claire and the other regional directors were gathered in an underground room, buried deep under the White House. As they waited, they speculated as to why they had been summoned here. It wasn't long before their speculation was answered. The President entered the room, and without fanfare, went to the podium at one end of the room.

"Gentlemen. I want to thank you all for getting here on such short notice. As you know, the plan is almost complete. Soon this nation will no longer pose a threat to our master. The armed forces of America are on the verge of being eliminated. Soon the hated land of Israel will be without aid from any quarter. This is certain to please our master, and I intend to make sure he knows that it would not have been possible without your assistance.

I'm expecting a visit from his messenger at any moment, and expect to receive the final orders from him as to how to bring this land under complete subjugation to his will. Within a very short time, all of those who have been captured, especially the Christians, will be at your disposal, for whatever you desire to do with them."

A murmur of approval went around the room. This is what they had been promised. This is what they had long waited for. They could almost taste the human flesh, and smell the blood. It was hard to restrain their evil lusts. Some, like Claire, had already begun to indulge their wanton, inhuman desires on their captives. The freedom to indulge their every whim was almost overpowering.

Quietly a side door opened and a small servile man entered.

"Mr. President?" He said in nearly a whisper.

"What is it?"

"Sir, the messenger of the master is here to see you."

"Thank you, I'll be right there." He turned back to his audience. "As you've heard, our final instructions have arrived. I have taken the liberty of arranging some 'entertainment' for you. I believe ten years of age is satisfactory." He smiled at the thought. "Gentlemen, I'll look foreword to seeing you soon."

He then turned and quickly left the room.

As one the directors left the room. Each filled with thoughts of what was to come in just moments.

---

The President entered his private apartment in the underground facility. The thing waiting for him couldn't be considered human, except for the fact he had the usual number of arms, legs, and a head. After that all similarity ended. He looked at the President with red glowing eyes, and a smile that was anything but comforting.

"Good to see you. The master is pleased with your work so far, but there is still one problem."

"Thank you, and thank him for me. I am happy to serve. What problem could there be?"

"Your Navy. It is still too powerful."

"What can I do? I've reduced it as much as I can without raising suspicion."

"The master understands. Even as we speak, there is a message being delivered at the White House, telling you that China is about to go to war with Taiwan. Your country has a mutual defense treaty with Taiwan in case of an attack from China. You will send most of your carrier forces to defend them. However, you must not allow them to make a first strike. Once the Chinese have taken out the carriers with their nuclear weapons, you will allow them to retake the renegade province. Then there will no longer be any chance of anyone opposing the masters will."

"I understand, and will obey."

---

It was a small town, tucked away in the Rocky Mountains. At best, the population couldn't have been more than two hundred and fifty people. Nestled in a valley, it looked peaceful. Both Bob and Tim, who were looking down on it from a nearby ridge, could tell that something was very wrong. There were no lights on in the storefronts, no music playing, there wasn't even a child riding his bike in the streets. There were doors standing open here and there, and the street was littered with wind blown debris.

"What could be going on down there?" Bob asked himself more than Tim, who was lying next to him.

"Maybe some sort of curfew?"

"I don't think so. They wouldn't just leave their doors open. Right now, I'm hoping it isn't some kind of quarantine."

"I guess it could be, but what are we going to do? You know we need supplies."

"I've got an idea. But right now, lets' get back to the others."

Keeping low enough below the ridge line that they couldn't be seen from the town, they both walked back to the vehicles. Once there, they described the scene just over the hill.

"My thought is that Alex and I should go in first. Look around, and see what we can see."

"Shouldn't I go with you? after all, Alex isn't much older than Tom or Sam." Tim asked.

"Tim, I don't want to break up a family. If something should happen, Kathy would lose her husband, and the father of your children. If Alex and I go, well, it won't be as bad on them."

"Gee, thanks Dad."

"It's true son, and you know it."

"Yeah I do, but that doesn't mean I have to like it."

"If it makes you feel any better, I like it even less than you do. I'd like to have someone to carry on the family name. But I need to have back up, just in case."

After that, Bob pulled out two small walkie talkies. He showed Tim how to use it, and then put the other in his pocket.

"Tim, I want you to go back up to where we were. Keep this thing on, but don't use it unless you have to do so. Alex and I are going to need to keep it quiet, until we figure out what is going on. If you don't hear from us within an hour, you must assume the worst, and take action to protect your family. Understand?"

Tim simply nodded.

"Lets' do it."

"Bob, you two be careful down there." Kathy said.

"Don't worry, I'm looking after my two favorite skins."


GW, Vietnam Vet